Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has elected to retire from hockey. After a couple of failed comebacks following open-heart surgery, the veteran netminder is walking away from the game he loves and “begin a new chapter.” Lundqvist shared the news on his social media accounts Friday morning and sent an emotional note to fans and teammates and shared his fond memories of the game and his experiences as a NHL player.
Related: No. 1 NHL Draft Pick Owen Power Won’t be Joining Sabres This Season
His feed was flooded with responses, many from NHL clubs congratulating him on a wonderful career. Among the more touching notes was a fan who wrote, “Thanks for inspiring little goalies everywhere. But especially mine. He is so proud of that jersey in his goalie collection (that we had to get sneaky with because his dad grew up an Isles fan). Congratulations on an amazing career!”
Lundqvist will leave the game as one of the best goaltenders of all time. He was the definition of skilled and classy and will be known as one of the most iconic New York Rangers players in history. Lundqvist’s 459 wins are the most among goalies who played every game of their career with one team.
According to a report by Larry Brooks of the New York Post, he spoke with Lundqvist who said, “When [this] summer started, my plan was still to come back.” He need a team to play with after signing with the Washington Capitals in October of 2020 but never played a game for them. He added, “I started working out again and was skating, but without any contact. But there were some setbacks. Too much exertion caused some chest pain.”
He said he was told it would be another year before he wasn’t really in the danger zone and ultimately, after thinking about what he wanted to do, it was time to leave. He said he’s at peace with his decision.
“It’s all still fresh. I decided only a few days ago. But I am at peace. I look back at my career, and all I have is gratitude and pride. I am just so grateful.”
New York shortly as their two daughters, 9-year-old Juli and 6-year-old Charlise, start the school year. This is home.
His family will return to New York where he says it’s time “to start living a normal life.”
Next: Is Maple Leafs’ Adam Brooks Ready for a Breakout Season?
